Over the last few years, two physics professors; Dr. Ralph Shiell and Dr. Aaron Slepkov have been working together doing some unique research to improve multiple choice testing.  The team feels their work allows them to go deeper into a student’s learning and not only does their new testing strategy make it easier to grade but also more fair to students who are now given partial marks for the partial knowledge they demonstrate. 

After finding that the traditional way of lecture teaching does not work well for the majority of students they have explored new ways to teach that will make the students really love what they’re learning.

“It’s about our love for the subject and instilling that love for subject.  It’s really difficult to do with traditional teaching environment so we wanted to come up with our own way.  We want to give our students that same sense of awe that we got from traditional teaching”, says Dr. Slepkov.

“This form of assessment is applicable to a wide range of disciplines, not just physics”, says Dr. Shiell.

“This just happens to be the playground that we’re testing this new platform but can already see how far reaching the tool can go”, added Slepkov.

The newly opened Centre for Teaching and Learning will be offering a variety of events and opportunities to celebrate and further enhance the outstanding teaching and learning at Trent University.  The Centre is located on the main floor of the Bata Library and welcomes you to drop in and see how they can be of service to you.

Located:  Bata Library, Room 203
Email:  Teaching@trentu.ca
Twitter:  @TrentUTeaching
Facebook:  Facebook.com/TrentUTeaching

Dr. Shiell and Dr. Slepkov are the second in the Centre for Teaching and Learning series showcasing staff, students and faculty who inspire and enhance excellent teaching. Watch for upcoming showcases featuring students, staff and faculty contributing to exceptional teaching and learning here at Trent.

Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2014.